United Arab Emirates

At a Glance

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Language

Arabic

Population

5,779,760 (July 2015 est.)

GDP Total

$647.8 billion (2015 est.)

GDP Per Capita

$67,600 (2015 est.)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in the UAE. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to the UAE may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

Attend business meetings

Attend conferences

Develop professional business contacts

Negotiate contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for the UAE?

European, US and many other select nationals are eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival to conduct business activities in the UAE. If your nationality does not authorize you to obtain a Visa on Arrival, you must have a sponsor apply for a Business Visa on your behalf.

Working in the UAE

What sorts of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under UAE law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in the UAE, even if conducted for a short duration.

Hands-on technical work

Repairs and maintenance

Systems testing

Marketing

Auditing

If I am traveling to the UAE for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The type of work authorization will depend on where your sponsor is located in the UAE, and the nature of your work. The most common UAE work authorizations are:

Employment and Residence Visa

Mission Visa

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work authorization requirements?

Nationals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) may work and reside in the UAE without work authorization. Registrations or other formalities may be required before these nationals can work in the UAE.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.